विसकों बुलेटिन सेप्तेमेबेर-2009

1-VHP, SLSSS observes Sacrifice Day, remembers Swamiji

CHAKAPADA/JALESPATA/BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): The Viswa Hindu Parishad and SLSSS on August 13 observed the Sacrifice Day and remembered Swami Laxmananda Saraswati on his first death anniversary. The first death anniversary of the Hindu Seer passed off peacefully across Orissa including at Jalespata Ashram, where the religious leader was gun down and Chakapada in tribal dominated southern districts of Kandhamal, where he was cremated.

Swami Sachidananda Brahmachari presided over a function at Chakapada while Swami Sachidananada Saraswati, Swami Pranarupananda Saraswati, Swami Jeevan Chaitnya and Satyananda Maharaj were among those attended. A Kalas Yatra also held at Jalespata Ashram, where thousands paid tearful homage to the late Seer.

VHP, while alleging Church hand in the murder that shocked the entire nation on August 23, 2009 on Janmasthami Day, however held ‘silent protest’ at Raj Bhawan and came down heavily on the Orissa Government for its failure to nab the real killers and conspirators behind the murder case. Sangh workers held a demonstration here at Raj Bhawan and observed Sacrifice Day.

The VHP submitted a memorandum to Governor MC Bhandare seeking strong action against killers and conspirators. “The Naveen Patnaik Government for its vote bank politics, however shielding the culprits and blaming the innocent Hindu tribals for the communal flare up,” they said. The partial treatment of the elected Government to go out of the way to help people of a particular community, violets the basic principals of human rights, the VHP said in a memorandum.

Bajarang Dal national co-convener Subash Chouhan, State spokesman RN Panda, BJP MLA Pratap Sarangi, former MP Archana Nayak, Pramod Das of VHP were among those present. Later a delegation met Governor MC Bhandare and submitted a memorandum. Dr Raghunath Mohapatra, president SLSSS Dr Ratnakar Chaini, GS Ratha and Dr Nagen Kumar Debata were among those in the delegation.
2-State level students’ Convention held

BHUBANESWAR: Orissa unit of Itihash Sankalan Samiti on August 15 hosted a State level convention for College and University students and discussed on various national matters. RSS national executive member, Mr Indresh Kumar while attending the convention however alleged that the political functionaries and leaders are always loves to downplay the verdict of Judiciary. He added that , as a result of which, Pakistani based, terror elements, easily targeting Indians on their soil as the country did not have a stringent law to fight.

Citing from Afzal Guru to Kashab, Kumar demanded that each terror element, should treated as national enemy and given proper treatment for his crime on Indian soil. Around 600 students from across the State participated in the event. RSS Khetra Pracharak, Sunilpada Goswami also spoke on this occasion. Prof Prafulla Kumar Mohapatra of Utkal University’s Sanskrit Departmnet presided over the function while Suryakanta Sahoo coordinated.






3-Naveen must book under PINH Act of 1971
BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): Why not a case registers against Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. As the President Medal is a national honour, the BJD chief should be booked under this act as he denied a medal to 1993 batch IPS officer Vinaytosh Mishra on Independence Day.

Mishra, an Orissa cadre IPS officer is presently working as DIG of Central Industrial Security Forces at Bokaro in Jharkhand was selected for President Award for his meritorious service.

As per the tradition in our Constitution, once the President selects a person to be awarded with the police medal, no Government can pick and chose and sit over the judgment of the Rashtrapati Bhawan, but Naveen overlooked all these traditional conventions of the largest democracy.

“The Chief Minister has to give the medal under constitutional obligations. By denying the medal to the IPS officer, who hails from Madhubani in Bihar, Naveen is sending the message that policemen can no longer fire at tribals even if they violate law and order. On the one hand he is asking that the police set-up be strengthened, and on the other, he is trying his best to undermine the police”, a senior IPS officer told this Correspondent.

Meanwhile, a senior State Congress leader and former Law Minister, Narasingh Mishra has petitioned Pratibha Patil seeking action against those, who denied a medal to the officer.

Only fault of the IPS officer was, 14 tribal were killed, when he served as Police chief of Jajpur district in 2006.By not awarding the police officer with the medal, the Chief Minister had insulted and humiliated the IPS officer and ignored the President's notification, the Congress man said.

The former Minister further said it was the State Government, which had recommended the name of the police officer after which his name was finally selected by the President.
The Congress man said, '' Once the government starts overriding the President, the federal structure will collapse and there will be no law in the country.

He appealed to the President to take appropriate action in this regard as not honouring a police officer with the President's police medal after being called for the same, amounted to humiliation in public and also gross violation of human rights besides besides disregarding her order.

However, anger is brewing within the police ranks in Orissa now over the way Mishra — who had even participated in a rehearsal for the investiture ceremony on August 14 — had been treated.



4-Orissa Church rejects US panel report

BHUBANESWAR( VISAKEO): Catholic Churches in eastern Indian States of Orissa, on Friday wholeheartedly rejected a report of United States Commission on International Religious Freedom that placed India on the 'Watch List' for 2008 Kandhamal riot.

Reacting to the US panel report, Orissa Minority Forum chief Swarupananda Patra said that the civil society of the majority Hindus has been really amiable and supportive of the minority Christians in the State.

Though a few criminal elements created problems for the minority community during the riots, the secular fabric of the society was intact, the Church leader said.Earlier, the US panel placed India on watch list for the first time, specifically mentioning the attacks on Christians in Orissa in 2008 and the Gujarat riots of 2002.

The commission, while mentioning the two specific instances of serial violence against religious minorities, also cited the Indian Government’s inadequate efforts to protect their rights.

“It is extremely disappointing that India, which has a multitude of religious communities, has done so little to protect and bring justice to its religious minorities under siege,” said the annual report of the panel, a US government arm. Afghanistan, Belarus, Cuba, Egypt, Indonesia, Laos, Russia, Somalia, Tajikistan, Turkey and Venezuela are the other countries on the list.

The Indian Government and the US panel had been on a collision course earlier this year when Delhi denied visas to a commission team that wanted to visit the country before finalising the report.

The Commission had earlier written to then President George W. Bush on the eve of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s 2008 US visit asking him to “raise pressing concerns about religious freedom in India”.

The report has asked the Obama government to urge India to take measures to promote communal harmony, protect religious minorities and prevent communal violence. India’s External Affairs Ministry has already rejected the panel report.


5- EVMs are not tamper- proof, explored software experts

BHUBANESWAR( VISAKEO): Senior BJP leader LK Advani's contention that India should revert to the ballot paper because the electronic voting machines (EVMs) were not tamper-proof, have got more fuel after some software Experts have probed that the high profile EVMs could be tampered very easily on August 2. Two main opposition parties in Orissa including the Congress and BJP had alleged large scale tampering during the twin polls in State. Both the parties had alleged that ruling BJD had manipulated the whole electoral process in the State. NetIndia Chief Hari K Prasad has demonstrated here to the intelligentsia of the Orissa that the so called tamper proof EVM can be manipulated. NetIndia is an embeded technology based company to develop an almost similar EVM as used in elections recently. The demonstration session was hosted by Orissa Jana Sammilani with the support of Jana Chetana Vedika, an NGO active in Andhra Pradesh here.OJS headed by Rabi Das, a veteran journalist tried to bring home the point that EVM is not tamper proof. Political personalities, Bureaucrats, Judges and Media men were present to have a glimpse on how EVMs can be manipulated. Prasad demonstrated clearly how EVM are vulnerable and prone to manipulations.Sudhanshu Bhusan Mishra, former Chief Secretary graced the occasion. Chowdhury P K Mishra, former Judge of Orissa High Court was also among the dignitaries, who watched the proceedings. BJP’s Bijay Mohapatra, Sameer Dey, Jual Oram and Congress’s Alok Jena and others were also present. Reddy said that it is a move to create awareness among the people of the country about the vulnerability of the EVM.While Election Commission of India (ECI) is confident about the tamper proof EVM, the expert Prasad showed it that the machine can be jolly well manipulated. It may be noted here that the Orissa High Court in second week of July has admitted a petition related to EVM tampering and issued notices to respondents. A single judge bench of Justice Indrajit Mohanty admitted the petition filed by Alok Jena of Congress who fought from Bhubaneswar Central Assembly constituency and fixed for hearing after issuing notices to other ten candidates who contested from the segment in polls held in April this year. The Congress candidate had lost the elections by over 20,000 votes to BJD nominee Bijay Kumar Mohanty. Jena in his petition has alleged that there was tampering of EVMs both before and after the polling in his constituency comprising 162 booths. "Starting from commissioning of EVMs to dispersal to different booths and during the time of polling, the EVMs were improperly handled by the polling parties concerned," the petitioner claimed. Meanwhile, the OJS, in response to a hurried Press note released by the Election Commission of India (ECI) through the PIB (Press Information Bureau) website, has said in a release on August 10 that the ECI was promoting false information. Rabi Das of the OJS said, “We would like to bring forward the facts that our apprehensions mentioned before the Supreme Court about the ignorance of the ECI towards any concerns on the EVMs or the entire process involved in the elections using EVMs has come true. as said “We have put this in front of the Supreme Court that the ECI has not given proper response to any questions raised against EVMs and simply ruled out all vulnerabilities that exists. As directed by the apex court we again knocked the doors of the ECI and submitted all the documents related to the writ petition along with a covering letter of counsel. Sanjay Parikh on July 28,2009”.

In response to that ECI sent a reply to the OJS counsel asking us to demonstrate the tamperability in the EVMs strategically avoiding mentioning all other concerns raised by us in the Writ Petition. And they responded back on August 3, 2009 expressing their readiness anytime from August 7, 2009 onwards to their proposal and also emphasised to consider all other points raised in the writ petition not just limiting to mere demonstration. And again OJS sent a reminder on August 8, 2009 to inform them the date and time to present before the committee. Surprisingly, instead of calling them to present before the committee ECI released the Press note stating that they didn't turned up even after intimation from them which is completely false. This clearly shows the intentions of ECI not to listen to the genuine concerns on the vulnerabilities in the EVMs. The stand taken by the ECI not only violates the order of Supreme Court but also avoid questions which are extremely relevant and important for free and fair elections which can alone strengthen the democracy. OJS has requested the ECI to withdraw the Press release and to give a chance to hear them and incase this is not accepted by the ECI they have no other option but to knock the doors of the Supreme Court.

6-BJP sees danger to wildlife if Vedanta Varsity comes up

BHUBANESWAR/PURI (VISAKEO): The BJP has voiced concern about the fate of eco-fragile sensitive zone around Balukhand-Konark Sanctuary, located barely few metres from the proposed Vedanta University near Puri. The Party’s leader in State Assembly, KV Singh Deo on July 31 said “Boundary of the proposed varsity is touching the sanctuary.” Quoting a letter of principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife) and chief wildlife warden, Orissa to the principal secretary of forest and environment department, Singhdeo said that industries, processes and operations within eco-fragile and eco-sensitive zones around sanctuaries needed regulation. The Balukhand-Konark Sanctuary, notified in 1984, affords security and habitat protection to about 3,000 deer and antelopes including more than 100 black-bucks.
“Activities in the eco-fragile zones could disturb sensitive animals like deer and black-bucks”, Singhdeo claimed asking the state government to seek permission of the Union ministry of forest and environment before setting up varsity in close vicinity of the sanctuary. Stating that the sanctuary plays an important role in keeping agricultural productivity of the hinterland, the principal chief conservator of forest in his report to the state government said that a belt of one Km width around the sanctuary area should be protected. “A distance of 10 km upstream from the sanctuary boundary along the course of three rivers ~ Nuanai, Kushabhadra and Prachi ~ in Talabani area adjacent to the sanctuary boundary on western side is extremely important for Puri town”, the note said.
“These areas should be a part of the eco-sensitive zone of the sanctuary and should be preserved undisturbed,” the BJP leader said quoting the principal chief conservator of forest notes to the department secretary. The eco-sensitive zone on the seaward side of the sanctuary boundary should also extend up to 5 km into the sea from the high tide line, the report said. “Taking PCCF's observation into account, it will be a mistake to allow construction and other activities in the eco-fragile zone,” Singhdeo said. Though the proposed varsity area was not within 71.72 sq km of the sanctuary area, it fell under the eco-fragile zone, Mr Singhdeo claimed. The Wildlife Society of Orissa backed BJP's objection contending, “the sensitive antelope is categorised under schedule-i of the wildlife list”.


7-BJP files FIR against Vedanta advertisement

BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): BJP leader from Puri, Uma Ballav Rath lodged a police complaint against NRI businessman Anil Agarwal alleging that he and others of Anil Agrawal Foundation had issued a public advertisement on 29 July on Vedanta University when no such varsity had been created. The capital police station "received" the complaint on July 31 but had not registered a case as yet. The UGC Act, 1956 stipulates that a university can be created only by promulgation of an Act of legislature and pursuant mandatory declarations, stated Rath. He maintained that there was no such Act on 29 July and hence release of public advertisements was wrong. Citing sections of the UGC Act, Rath said: "Whoever contravenes the provisions shall be punishable". Rath claimed that it makes out a cognisable offence. Police sources, however, confided that they would initially make a station diary entry and examine the entire matter thoroughly.
It may be noted here that the Vedanta University Bill, 2009, was passed in the state Assembly on July 31. Incidentally, Rath has been leading a movement against the proposed varsity at Puri since last two years.
8-Probe starts into Temple entry row
PURI (VISAKEO): State Police have started a probe into the Temple entry row, in which, a case was filed against Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty. Meanwhile, a case was made out against Shetty for apparently breaking the rules while shooting at Orissa's revered Sakhigopal temple in Puri district, the police said adding they were trying to find out if she had hurt religious sentiments. Shetty was accused of entering the Gopinath Deb temple of Sakhigopal near Puri Thursday with her shoes on. The temple authorities later filed a complaint with the Satyabadi police station against the actress. “The temple executive Sachidananda Das along with some staff members of the temple have filed a complaint against Shilpa Shetty. They have complained that the Bollywood actress has violated the shrine rules," said officer in-charge of Satyabadi police station Prasanna Kumar Biswal."I was present when the actress reached the spot as we had instructions to go there for her protection. The crew had already taken the permission of temple authorities to shoot there. Since the complaint has come we are looking into the matter. No serious case is made out against the actress as per IPC (Indian Penal code)," Biswal said. "We are trying to find out whether she has hurt the religious sentiments by entering the temple with shoes on,” he said.

9-‘Operation Saranda’ triggers panic among Rebels

BHUBANESWAR( VISAKEO): Muppala Laxman Rao alias Ganapathi and his Red Comrades in the outlawed CPI(Maoists) will have to re-set their stronghold from Saranda Jungles to some other places as the elite anti-insurgency security forces of Orissa, Jharkhand and West Bengal are gearing for a final offensive against the rebels from September. Though police sources declined to divulge the date of the ‘Operation Saranda’, sources said the offensive would commence sometime in the third week of September. Sources said the police top brass of the three States had been planning the operation since April-May this year. Saranda jungles, which shares borders of four highly leftwing insurgency hit States in eastern India, would be liberated from the hands of the guerrillas if security forces marches ahead.“See, we are preparing for a final war against the rebels in Saranda with the help of Jharkhand and West Bengal. The offensive will be a crucial one. It will either force rebels to surrender or wipe out them,” a top police official engaged in anti-Maoists operation said on August 10. The official further added that in earlier occasions, it was only Jharkhand police, that fought against the rebels in Saranda, now things have changes as three States joins hand to eliminate the outlawed elements. Police sources manning the Special Operation Group (SOG) Headquarters here however said the topography of Saranda is such that it helped rebels sneak into Sundergarh district of Orissa and Purulia district of Bengal whenever the Jharkhand police launch an anti-insurgency operation. “So, we have made efforts to completely check cross-border infiltration while entire stretch connecting Keonjhar to Sundargarh will be under scanner during ‘Operation Saranda,” police sources said. “We will choke all rebel corridors. It will be a no-exit situation. CRPF Jawans will help us in the operation,” he added. Since December 2001, Saranda, has been under the influence of Maoists. The route of flush-out is being marked,” said a police officer adding helicopters and commandos of the Indian Reserve Battalion would be pressed into service during the operation. “While the police of Keonjhar and Sundergarh districts, which hosts a part of Saranda forest, will participate directly in the operation, Purulia and West Midnapore police will help block Maoist escape routes,” sources added.


10-BJP demands CBI probe into mining scam

BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): Orissa BJP president Suresh Pujari on August 8 demanded a CBI probe into the Rs 4,000 crore mining scam in the mineral-rich Keonjhar district. Addressing reporters, Pujari said the BJP members had raised the mining scam issue in the recent budget session of the Assembly and demanded a CBI probe into the multi-crore scam. The state government, he said, instead of accepting the demand of the BJP went ahead with a vigilance inquiry which, in its preliminary report submitted to the government, confirmed irregularities in the mining lease. Pujari said what the vigilance sleuths have unearthed in their investigation was only a tip of the iceberg adding that such a big scam, involving the officials and big politicians of the ruling party, would be exposed only by a fair investigation by the central investigative agency. The BJP president said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik who always claimed to be clean and transparent, should not hesitate to order for a CBI probe as the vigilance inquiry by the state government would not be able to go deep into the multi-crore scam. Pujari said the BJP would hold a demonstration in Keonjhar on August 12 pressing for a CBI probe into the mining scam.

Meanwhile, the Opposition Congress has submitted a memorandum to Union Minister of state for Coal Prakash Jaiswal during his visit to the Congress Bhawan here demanding a CBI probe into the mining scam.

13-Orissa DGP takes on politicos

BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): By lambasting on political leaders, Orissa Police Chief Manmohan Praharaj on August 7 has given enough signals that the political leadership in the State should be blamed for the fading law and order. Even though, the Naveen Patnaik Government is contemplating to replace Praharaj from the post of DGP, he dared to confront with the political boss on matters of internal security and leftwing insurgency. DGP’s hard hitting statements were directed at some ruling party leaders, who want remote controls in their hands to rule the police headquarters in Cuttack. Praharaj, who is reportedly looking for Central berth, rightly exposed the truth while speaking at a seminar here. Praharaj said, "Ministers and other group leaders routinely violate rule of law here." Terrorists take advantage of the "weak law and order situation" in the country. Comparing the scenario with the US, he said, "While the FBI's data base is acceptable by the judiciary in the US, no such provision exists in India. No body trusts police investigation and therefore, strong judicial process is needed to defeat terrorists".The Police chief claimed that less number of human rights violation cases were reported against Orissa police.



14-Nepal Foreign Secretary assures Kasturi for Lord Jagannth

NEW DELHI( VISAKEO) : In a conference organized by the Delhi Study Group at the Constitution Hall on the Indo – Nepal relationship in second week of August wherein the Foreign Minister of Nepal Ms. Sujata Koirala attended as the chief guest along with other dignitaries and number of Ambassadors from different countries. Ms. Koirala in his presidential address, stressed upon strengthening Indo-Nepalese relationship further in the said conference.

Out of two questions raised and answered by the Foreign Secretary of Nepal in the conference; the Vice President of Delhi Oriya Lawyers Association Prasanta Varma raised the issue of Kasturi in the said conference, which is required in the rituals at the time of Rath Yatra at Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri every year. It was further stressed by Mr. Varma as to how the sentiments of millions of Indians are attached to the rituals of Rath Yatra in Puri.

While answering to the issue of Kasturi the Foreign Secretary in presence of the Foreign Minister of Nepal informed the members in the conference that the Foreign Secretary is well aware of the Kasturi issue of Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri; which is being dealt by the Consulate office of Nepal at Calcutta.

It was also informed by the Foreign Secretary that Nepal is also concerned about availing Kasturi to the Lord Jagannath Temple at Puri and they are also taking steps and hence forth at the time of Rath Yatra the problem of Kasturi would not be there for the Jagannath Temple at Puri. Besides the dignitaries the Delhi Oriya Lawyers Association Secretary Santosh K. Rout also attended the conference.


15-Rare stone idol of Lord Buddha unearthed

JAJPUR (VISAKEO): A rare stone image of Buddha was unearthed from the agricultural fields near Khaira village under Barachana block of Orissa's Jajpur district on August 10. Naba Kishor Baral, a small farmer of Khaira village, stumbled upon the three feet long Buddha image while he was cultivating his land.

After the discovery of the Buddha image, Baral had to stop the cultivation work as hundreds of curious villagers gathered to witness the Buddha image made of stone. The villagers have since installed the Buddha image in the middle of the village and started worshipping it.

The village is situated in close vicinity to the Govari river. Khaira village is also near the Kantikiarai where a rare and gigantic Buddhist monastery was unearthed about four years back.

The famous Buddhist sites Lalitagiri, Ratnagiri and Udayagiri are also situated in this area. “The unearthing of Buddha idol from Khaira village indicates that the village and its nearby areas are rich of Buddhist culture,” said N.C.Sahu, a Buddhist researcher of Jajpur.

“Neither the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) nor the State's Archeological Department have been paying attention about the small unknown Buddhist sites for which many Buddha images and other archeological findings are gathering dusts in many villages. In many cases the antique lifters are taking away the rare images,” alleged the villagers.

A priceless stone statue of meditating Buddha was stolen from the excavation site at the famous Buddhist monastery in Udayagiri, a couple of years ago. The three-foot high idol, along with many images was unearthed from Udayagiri by the ASI eight years back. But ASI officials had not shifted all the stone images and other objects from Udayagiri to any museum or safe places.


16-Khandagiri-Udayagiri (Travel and Toursim) ( With Pix)

BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO) : Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are the caves of archaeological, historical and religious importance near the city of Bhubaneswar in Orissa, India. The caves are situated on two hills Udayagiri and Khandagiri, mentioned as Kumari Parvat in Hathigumpha inscription and face each other across the road.

They have a number of finely and ornately carved caves. It is believed that most of these caves were carved out huge residential blocks for the Jain monks, during the reign of King Kharavela. Udayagiri meaning Sunrise Hill, has 18 caves while Khandagiri has 15 caves.

The caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri, called lena or lena in the inscriptions, were dug out mostly during the reign of Kharavela for the above of Jaina ascetics. The most important of this group is Ranigumpha in Udayagiri which is a double storeyed monastery.

Unfortunately, a number of the Jaina caves on the Khandagiri side have encroachment problems, with local Brahmins turning them into Hindu shrines and covering up some of the Jaina iconography.


Just 7 kms west of Bhubaneswar are the twin hills of Khandagiri and Udaygiri, the next major Orissan historical monument after Ashoka's rock-cut edict.

The rocks of the Khandagiri and Udaygiri hills were carved and tunneled, to create this multi-storied ancient apartment residence for Jain monks. They were the work of the first known Orissan ruler, King Kharavela, and probably begun in the first century BC.

Kharavela was a king of the Mahameghavahana dynasty, who is known for expansion of the Kalinga empire and his installation of public improvements, such as canal systems. His queen was evidently quite a patron of the arts, and probably had much to do with the impressive sculptural decoration of the caves.

As you approach the site, Khandagiri, with its 15 caves will be on the left. Udaygiri will be on the right. The 18 caves of Udaygiri include the famous Hathi Gumpha ('Elephant Cave') with its famous inscription of Kharavela.

From the inscription, we learn much about Kharavela's military exploits, and also that his royal city had gate towers, bathing and drinking tanks, and was the scene of formally organized music and dance performances, as well as sporting and social events. The city, says the inscription, " was made to dance with joy". Kharavela was evidently a skilled musician, and it seems as if he created a remarkable center of the arts.

The famous Rani Gumpha ('Queen's Cave'), also on Udaygiri, has upper and lower stories, a spacious courtyard, and elaborate sculptural friezes. The carvings show popular legends, historical scenes, and religious functions, as well as many dancers. The style seems quite well-developed, and of a singular grace and liveliness.

The Ganesha Gumpha, which is reached by a walkway from the lower storey of the Rani Gumpha, is isolated, and perhaps for this reason, better preserved. Its two dwelling-spaces with verandah in front are reached by a short staircase from the courtyard.

All of the caves are small, and follow the natural configurations of the 'living rock'. The sculpture throughout exhibits a strong, lively folk element, which has been executed with a sure and confident hand. Already, the spaces are filled with animal, human, and divine personages and decorative details, showing at an early stage the love of the Orissan artist for richly elaborated scenes.


17-Rebels’ could selectively target RSS leaders

BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): The outlawed CPI (Maoists) has drawn up a blue print to eliminate several RSS, VHP and Bajarang Dal leaders in Orissa and the leftwing wing guerrillas could selectively target these leaders.

The Central Intelligence agency has informed the Orissa Government regarding this even despite the first death anniversary of Hindu seer Swami Laxmananda Saraswati and Janmashtami passed off peacefully on August 13.

“We have specific inputs that there could be attacks on some leaders – a dozen-odd names are on the list of the Maoists,” an official said. The Hindu organisations observed the anniversary from August 11 to August 17.

“See, as per the missive of the Union Home Ministry, we have kept a close eye on the activities of the red rebels,” the top cop said.

The missive of MHA assumes greater significance with posters and leaflets being distributed in riot hit Kandhamal district, clearly indicating a secret deal between the Church and the outlawed elements to counter Hindu tribals and Sangh Pariwar leaders, those who are strongly opposing conversion.

The prevailing situation, circumstances and tactical movement of the Maoists along the border of Ganjam and Kandhamal district suggested calm before the storm like situation. Sources said more than 300 Red rebels have already been camping along the border areas of these adjoining districts and few of them have already entered the volatile Kandhamal district.

Meanwhile, posters of suspected Maoists were sighted at several places like Raikia, Sankarkhol, G Udayagiri and other areas of Kandhamal district on Janmasthami Day. These posters fumed against Hinduism and have asked people to embrace Christianity.

It appealed to people through these posters to observe Janmasthami as ‘Bijaya Divas’. The Maoists through their posters asked the people to shut down business establishments. But it had no impact. Significantly, the Maoists posters have mentioned Hindu dharma Heena Dharma, Christa Dharma Mahaapunya.

18-Future of mega projects hangs in balance

BHUBANESWAR (VISAKEO): The massive victory of BJD of getting 103 seats in 147 Orissa House was supposed to spur frantic industrial activities in the State. The reality is just the reverse. Mega projects seem to be running into more and more problems. In all the major emerging industrial hubs public resistance is on rise.

Clashes between pro and anti industrial groups are becoming more frequent and violent.
On 12 August, violent clashes accompanied by bombs at Vedanta University Project at Puri were witnessed. Pro and anti POSCO clashes occur every now and then. Confrontations between anti and pro Vedanta gropus in Jharsuguda and Lanjigarh is now a common feature.

In Angul and Jharsuguda, the Bhusan Projects are drawn into greater controversies leading to uncertain future of the same. Stalemate continues in Kalinga Nagar with periodic confrontation between pro and anti TATA project. Many other mega projects also face uncertainty as most of them are drawn into greater controversies.

All the while the State Government seems to be in ‘No-Hurry’ to intervene affectively or conciliate between pro and anti groups. Left without any initiative from the Government side, mega projects with powerful local ruling party support are engineering clashes with anti-project groups, allege social activists.

Now society is divided with pro and anti groups, thanks to the callous attitude of the Government, alleged they. This is leading to continuous deterioration of law and order situation in the emerging industrial hubs. Prevailing vacuum is ready made for Maoists to step in. All the major industrial hubs are now turning fertile grounds for the Left Wing Extremists (LWE)s, say industry observers. And prevailing unsettled conditions have put the industrial projects at the mercy of some corrupt bureaucrats and police men.

Files are being kept for months in the tables and in many locations these errant mandarins extract heavy price even for routine clearance of files and protection of project activities, admit they. Thanks to the apathy of the state machinery popular ire and resentment against mega projects is increasing day in and day out.

While the mega project promoters look forward to the Government protection and fecilitation to proceed further, the State seems to have adopted “hands off do by yourself” policy. With apathy and inaction in full swing the much hyped Rs.6 lakh crore industrial investment program will turn into a pipe dream, allege the analysts.